Salisbury Cathedral announces plans for Advent and Christmas

Salisbury Cathedral has announced its line-up of Advent and Christmas services and events, with familiar festive favourites such as Handel’s Messiah, the famous From Darkness to Light Advent service and the family Crib service on Christmas Eve, and exciting new events, such as the Christmas Organ Extravaganza.

With a spectacular 32-foot Christmas tree on display, there will also be a late-night opening evening, a family film screening, Twilight Tower Tours, eco-friendly Christmas craft sessions, as well as festive food and drink and gift ideas.

Services

Marking the beginning of the Advent season, the renowned From Darkness to Light: The Advent Procession returns from Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November. Over 4,500 people are expected to attend across the weekend as the Cathedral is plunged into darkness, before more than 1,000 candles are gradually lit, as two great processions move through the building with exquisite music and readings. The service will begin at 7pm on Friday and at 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Families and young people can enjoy the Advent Font Services every Sunday at 9am, which offers an informal way to worship and learn throughout the festive period. A girl chorister will be selected this year for the traditional Chorister Bishop Evensong on Sunday 6 December, a tradition which dating back to medieval times, where a senior chorister is selected to be the Bishop for the day on the Feast of St Nicholas. The chorister will be robed in traditional cope and mitre and give the sermon at the service.

Other highlights include Carols by Candlelight on 22 and 23 December, and the Christmas Eve services, which include A Family Crib Service for Christmas Eve, Choral Evensong on Christmas Eve and The First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass).

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, said:

"Advent and Christmas: like all gifts, they need to be unwrapped, savoured, and enjoyed. Where better to unwrap them, savour them, and enjoy them than Salisbury Cathedral? Come and be soothed, refreshed, and renewed. Whatever you believe, whatever you don’t believe, here you will receive the gifts of this time of year."

Events

The iconic musical work Handel’s Messiah will be performed by the full strength of the Cathedral Choir (Lay Vicars, girls and boys) in support of the Cathedral’s Choral Foundation on Saturday 5 December. Featuring the City of London Sinfonia and four distinguished soloists, this evening of music never fails to impress. Pre-booking for a delicious dinner in the Refectory prior to the concert is also available.

Join Cathedral organists David Halls and John Challenger for the brand-new Christmas Organ Extravaganza on Friday 11 December. Compered by the Dean of Salisbury Nicholas Papadopulos, the audience can enjoy a programme of music from festive films and beloved Christmas carols, performed on one of the country's finest organs. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available throughout the evening to keep you in the festive spirit.  

Festive Fun for Families

The Cathedral’s fabulous 32ft Christmas tree, adorned with over 1,000 twinkling fairy lights, will be installed on Tuesday 1 December. Families are invited to enjoy the Festive Late-Night Opening on Thursday 10 December, with free entry to the Cathedral and a variety of activities: crafts, live music, behind-the-scenes tours of the private library and West Window, and photo opportunities beside the Nativity scene and floral displays. Throughout December, families can enjoy Christmas Craft days and an Angels Activity Trail, all of which will use repurposed materials.

By popular vote, The Muppet Christmas Carol will return to the big screen on Saturday 12 December, with a selection of festive food and drink, as well as the classic cinema treats. There will also be a community artwork called Nativity Prayers, where visitors can decorate a figure and add it to the display. The figures will be blessed at the end of the season at Candlemas.

Special Tours and Gifts

For a breathtaking view of Salisbury at Christmas, join a Twilight Tower Tour and climb 332 steps to the base of the spire, where you can admire the city’s sparkling lights. Afterward, you can enjoy a festive lunch featuring traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings at the Refectory Restaurant, or a simple mulled wine and a mince pie.

The Cathedral Shop is the perfect place to find interesting and quirky Christmas gifts. New for this year are craft and construction kits and Christmas homeware. These sit alongside traditional Nativity sets, Advent calendars, cards and a multitude of decorations and stocking fillers. There really is something for everyone!